Hurricane Idalia – Anna Maria Island – Ready and Resilient!

Hurricane Idalia – Anna Maria Island – Ready and Resilient!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out to us at Dan’s Florida Condos this past week. We know many of you with upcoming travel to Anna Maria Island, Florida have been anxious due to the ominous social media posts circulating. In short, while our Complex, Runaway Bay Condominiums did not suffer any storm related damages or flooding, some homes and businesses on the island had up to 4 feet of water in our neighboring communities, especially in the Cortez Village area.

We dodged a bullet and count our blessings that our slice of paradise was preserved. Our hearts and thoughts go out to our neighbors in the northern panhandle of Florida, of which incurred the most significant impact from Hurricane Idalia.

Here’s a concise recap of recent events:

Mandatory Evacuation: On Tuesday, August 29, we faced a mandatory evacuation order for Anna Maria Island.

The Storm: Fortunately, the storm changed course, veering north from its initial path. While the island did experience the outer bands of the storm, including rain, mild winds, and some storm surge, the evacuation was swiftly lifted on Wednesday, August 30, at 5 pm.

Hurricane Idalia - Anna Maria Island - Ready and Resilient!

Impact: Some localized flooding did occur, primarily in areas near the bay and beaches. However, our vacation rental units at Dan’s Florida Condos remained unharmed, thanks to their elevated positions. While there was some debris in the pools and yards, rest assured that we sustained absolutely no damage. The island’s flooding has also subsided.

Clean-Up: We are immensely proud of our dedicated teams who wasted no time in preparing our homes for the next guests. Cleaning crews are hard at work resetting outdoor furniture, while our landscaping experts are diligently clearing yards of debris and branches. Pool maintenance is in progress, ensuring our most popular heated salt water pool pristine for Labor Day weekend. Clean-up efforts are also underway on North Shore Drive in Anna Maria.

Utilities: Thankfully, we did not experience any power outages in our homes. Most of the island maintained power throughout the entire storm.

Hurricane Idalia - Anna Maria Island - Ready and Resilient!

Restaurants & Local Businesses: In a testament to the island’s resilience, shops and eateries quickly reopened on Thursday, with more scheduled to resume operations on Friday. Hurricane Hanks, known for their small bar bites and craft beer selection were ready for Idalia with their growingly famous storm shutters!

Hurricane Idalia - Anna Maria Island - Ready and Resilient!

Businesses opening on Friday include Tide Tables, Ginny n Jane E’s, Breakfast at Victoria’s, White Egret Stores, AMI Paddleboard, and Rod n Reel Pier.

Piers: The Anna Maria City Pier is open for both fishing and restaurant dining, while Rod n Reel Pier is set to reopen on Friday. Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar on Bradenton Bridge Street Pier is already open.

Beaches: Our pristine beaches are looking fantastic! While the western Gulf beaches may be a bit rough in the aftermath of the hurricane, it’s an excellent opportunity to collect shark’s teeth and shells, as many have washed ashore.

In conclusion, Anna Maria Island has weathered the storm and is open, vibrant, and ready to welcome you back to paradise.


Looking for a spontaneous getaway? Look no further! Dan’s Florida Condos on Anna Maria Island, Florida have got you covered with incredible benefits for your last-minute vacation. The condos are located within the Runaway Bay Condominium Community, just steps from the beach, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand. In the evening, gather a blanket or circle of chairs with friends and family to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Idalia - Anna Maria Island - Ready and Resilient!
Hurricane Idalia - Anna Maria Island - Ready and Resilient!

4th of July on Anna Maria Island

4th of July on Anna Maria Island

Enjoy the 4th of July in Style at Dans Florida Condos on Anna Maria Island

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, and what better place to do it than on Anna Maria Island, Florida? Dans Florida Condos is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.

The condos are located just steps from the beach, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand. In the evening, gather a blanket or circle of chairs with friends and family to watch the fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico.

4th of July on Anna Maria Island

In addition to the beautiful beach, Dans Florida Condos also offers a variety of amenities to keep you entertained, including:

  • A large saltwater pool
  • A tennis and pickleball courts
  • A bocce ball court
  • A recreation room
  • A sauna
  • An exercise room
  • A fishing pier

And if you’re looking to explore the island, Dans Florida Condos is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Here are some ideas for how you can enjoy your 4th of July at Dans Florida Condos:

  • Spend the day at the beach. Anna Maria Island is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, or build a sandcastle.
  • Go fishing. Dans Florida Condos is located right on the water, so you can easily go fishing off the pier. Or, take a boat out to deeper waters and try your luck at catching a larger fish.
  • Hike or bike the island. Anna Maria Island is a great place to get some exercise. There are several hiking and biking trails that wind through the island’s natural beauty.
  • Visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum. Learn about the history of Anna Maria Island at this small museum.
  • Take a day trip to nearby attractions. There are several popular attractions located near Anna Maria Island, including Busch Gardens, Disney World, and Universal Studios.

No matter how you choose to spend your 4th of July, Dans Florida Condos is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the holiday. Book your stay today!

4th of July on Anna Maria Island

Here are some additional tips for enjoying your 4th of July at Dans Florida Condos:

  • Book your stay early, especially if you’re traveling during the holiday weekend.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The Florida sun can be strong, so it’s important to protect yourself from the elements.
  • Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks. You can save money by bringing your own food and drinks to the condo.
  • Bring beach towels and chairs. You’ll want to be comfortable while you’re lounging on the beach.
  • Download a map of Anna Maria Island. This will help you get around and find the best places to visit.
  • Have fun and relax! The 4th of July is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Soak up the sun, enjoy the fireworks, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: http://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/

*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local
establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit
of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not
receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from
these posts. These recommendations are either experienced
firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the
Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of
the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas
have to offer.

*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared
without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.

A close call on Sunshine Skyway Bridge

A close call on Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, leading to the enchanting Anna Maria Island in Florida, is a true marvel that blends natural beauty with engineering brilliance. As many travelers traverse this breathtaking structure on their way to their vacation accommodations at Dans Florida Condos, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the sparkling waters below and the endless expanse of the sky above.

The bridge stands tall and proud, gracefully spanning the azure waters of the Tampa Bay which border the north end of Anna Maria Island, FL. Its sleek design and immaculate white color perfectly complement the surrounding landscape, creating an awe-inspiring sight for all who witness it. The gentle sea breeze caresses your face as you make your way across, and the serenity of the setting is simply unparalleled.

A close call on Sunshine Skyway Bridge

However, even in the most picturesque of places, unexpected events can occur. In mid-June of 2023, an unfortunate accident took place on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, causing a momentary disruption in its tranquility. A large truck found itself in a precarious position, partially hanging over the edge of the bridge. The incident garnered attention and concern from passersby and local authorities alike.

Efficient emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, ensuring the safety of the driver, and securing the area. Their professionalism and expertise were commendable, preventing further escalation and ensuring minimal disruption to the flow of traffic. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution while navigating these majestic roadways.

As the authorities worked diligently to rectify the situation, the resiliency and strength of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge shone through. Its sturdy structure stood firm, confidently weathering the unexpected turn of events. Soon enough, the truck was safely removed, and the bridge resumed its role as a gateway to the island, welcoming visitors with its unmatched allure.

Despite the temporary setback, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge continues to captivate all who venture across it. Its timeless beauty and the indomitable spirit it embodies are a testament to human ingenuity and the ability to overcome adversity. As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the waters, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as a symbol of strength, grace, and the enduring allure of Anna Maria Island.


To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/

*Please note – Dan’s Florida Condos posts blogs of local
establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit
of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not
receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from
these posts. These recommendations are either experienced
firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the
Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of
the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas
have to offer.

*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared
without the written consent of Dan’s Florida Condos.

Runaway Bay Pool – Upgraded and Grand Re-Opening!

Runaway Bay Pool – Upgraded and Grand Re-Opening!

Dan’s Florida Condos (located within Runaway Bay Condominiums, on the sunny shores of Anna Maria Island, Florida) boasts the largest salt water pool on the island.  The pool is considered one of the best amenities of our community, and is a central hub for much of the family fun and socializing.  It has the added benefit of being heated, which allows comfortable enjoyment year-round.

Over the last years, and specifically the last 6 months, Runaway Bay has made considerable upgrades to the pool.  This started with all new loungers and chairs deployed around the deck of the pool area.  Last year all the pavers were replaced with upgraded and non-slip materials.  This spring of 2023, the pool had a major overall including reseal of the pool interior and a complete overhaul of the back flow and new filter platform and pumps.  As summarized by one of our owners, “The pool is now as good as new”.

Two dozen of our loungers are currently in a “re-slinging” project which will also refresh them to new.  Once this project is completed, we will have access to almost 40 additional loungers’ poolside for family and guests to gather, relax, and soak up the Florida sun.

Runaway Bay Pool - Upgraded and Grand Re-Opening!

This all could not have been done with the support of the Runaway Bay Board of Directors, Operations team, and volunteers which are made up of both our onsite and remote owners throughout the globe.  What a monumental transformation!

When you are ready to return to Anna Maria Island to enjoy your next family vacation getaway, we will be ready to welcome you at any one of  Dans Florida Condos one or two-bedroom units.  Please visit our Rates and Availabilty section of our website when you are ready to come on down for a swim!

We’ll see you at the pool!

Anna Maria Island Featured on NBC’s Today Show with Hoda and Jenna

Anna Maria Island Featured on NBC’s Today Show with Hoda and Jenna

Recently the production crew from NBC’s The Today Show, featuring Hoda and Jenna visited Anna Maria Island, Florida. They featured a story about Ashley and Dino, a couple from California who visited the island for a family vacation back in 2020. They found a simpler way of life on Anna Maria Island, consisting of no high-rise hotels, chain resturants, and fell in love with the turquoise waters. So much so, that hey decided to relocate their family of 4 as full time residents just a year later!

Ashley and Dino have a background in interior design and home remodeling. To help fund their relocation, they purchased a 4 bedroom hotel which desperately needed some TLC. Over the next year, they put in hard word and sweat to bring out the charm of their little island paradise and celebrated their grand opening in October of 2021.

Anna Maria Island Featured on NBC's Today Show with Hoda and Jenna

Dan’s Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com) owner Dan O’Connor (wow that was a lot of Dans in a short sentence) has a story that mirrors that of Ashley and Dino. After visiting the island over a decade ago, Dan knew there was something special about Anna Maria Island. “I find joy in sharing our slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island with others, and find a special satisfaction helping other family’s create lifelong vacation memories”.

You can find more information about Ashely and Dino at www.hodaandjenna.com. Feel free to reach out to Dan’s Florida Condos if you would like to more information or would like to experience Anna Maria Island for yourself.


Anna Maria Island Featured on NBC's Today Show with Hoda and Jenna
Visit our Free Week Entry Form to participate!

5th Annual #BookDirect Day

5th Annual #BookDirect Day

Today we are celebrating the 5th annual #BookDirect day.

The #BookDirect initiative was first organized to educate guests about the advantages of bypassing third-party channels to book directly with management companies and homeowners. Today is the 5th anniversary of this movement, which falls on a quite unique date sequence of 2/2/22!  How fun!

Not only are vacation rental owners facing the same issues regarding the often-high commissions set by listing sites, but also guests themselves frequently end up paying more for the same stay.

5th Annual #BookDirect Day

For the past ten years I have used VRBO/HomeAway as my advertising venue for the rental of Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com). I have two lovely 2br and 1br units located on Anna Maria Island (Central Gulf Coast, in Bradenton Beach, FL). Both units are located in Runaway Bay Condominium community, which offers guests top notch amenities and a friendly environment.   It’s such a treat having direct beach access right across the street from our home away from home! A few years ago, VRBO/Homeaway was purchased by Expedia and immediately began changing their business profile.

The first thing was to add a “Service Fee” of 7-13% to our rates all of which was passed on to you the renter. At the same time, we could see no benefit to you in return for paying that fee.  We feel as that extra money could be used to purchase a margarita while resting your feet in one of the many beach side bars of Anna Maria Island, FL.

VRBO/Homeaway began acting like any other rental Property Management Company and has continually harassed us to accept their “BIN” (Book It Now) feature, whereby they control the entire transaction, communication, etc. removing the “personal touch” of booking directly through an owner.

Additionally, they removed the option to contact us directly (phone/personal email) in order to address any questions about the unit or the Island and accommodation. Thus VRBO/HomeAway is no longer an advertising or networking venue, rather a booking site which only priority is to drive the profits for shareholders.

5th Annual #BookDirect Day

I am excited to participate in the #BookDirect movement by continuing to offer a “booking fee free” website at www.dansfloridacondos.com. Check out Dans Florida Condos to take advantage of a Booking fee free experience. You’ll also find additional information on Anna Maria Island, FL, Runaway Bay Condominium community, along with pictures, guest testimonials, and an updated Blog of events happening on Anna Maria Island and Dans Florida Condos.

Did you know, that the average traveler spends $237 to big box booking sites like VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb!!!  They could be using that on a golf cart rental, fishing trip, or several rounds of drinks!

Six ways to Save $ By #BookDirect:

  1. Try and #BookDirect with the owner or property manager. If you want to book one of our properties, please visit our website, call/text 773-598-9717, or email me at dan@dansfloridacondos.com.
  2. Search on Facebook for the name and location to see if some of your favorite properties have a website or a Facebook page. From there you can contact the owner/manager and #BookDirect. You can like my page by doing a quick Facebook Search “Dans Florida Condos” or visiting facebook.com/dansfloridacondos
  3. Search for your perfect vacation rental on any of the big box listing sites. Identify your top choices, noting the property’s name and location. Use your search engine (i.e. Google) to search for the property name and city and possibly the owner’s name to find their #BookDirect website.
  4. Check for traveler reviews on the major websites (google business page for example). If there are a decent number of good reviews for a listing (say 10+), and the listing has been posted for at least a few months and had confirmed bookings (this information is usually included on the site), chances are it’s a safe bet. If the owner were in the habit of doing things like unjustifiably canceling reservations or wrongfully withholding security deposits, the listing would have been pulled or you would see this mentioned in reviews. (It’s important to note that the big listing sites will not remove negative reviews at the request of the owner/manager unless they violate the company’s guidelines.
  5. Consider purchasing trip insurance from a third-party; the coverage will likely be broader — and may cost considerably less — than that “covered” by a listing site fee.
  6. Explore alternative payment methods. The owner may be able to provide adequate information so you can use checks, bank transfers, or other methods with confidence and save an additional 3%.

If you have any questions about the changing Rental By Owner market or #BookDirect, you are welcome to reach out at any time. Please also take the time to “Like” our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dansfloridacondos.

Here’s to starting a new #BookDirect adventure together, declaring independence from greedy profit hungry Big Box listing sites, and returning to a more personal Vacation Rental By Owner experience for us all. #BookDirect

 

Check out this interesting roundtable by #BookDirect enthusiasts!

To read more articles highlighting Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, FL and Dans Florida Condos please visit the “Our Blog” section of our booking-free website: https://www.dansfloridacondos.com/blog/

*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from these posts. These recommendations are either experienced firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of the best” that the Anna Maria Island and Runaway Bay Condominium community and the surrounding areas have to offer.


*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.

Tour de Turtles – The Islands Fastest but Slowest Race!

Anna Maria Island - Turtle Nesting and Race

Tour de Turtles – The Islands Fastest but Slowest Race!

It may not have been the fastest race in history, but Anna Maria Island won the marathon with loggerhead Eliza Ann.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and the Sea Turtle Conservancy placed a tracking device on a sea turtle June 19 after it nested at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, then released the turtle to the Gulf of Mexico early June 20. That tracker showed the path taken by the sea turtle as she nested twice more and journeyed on her three-month migration.

This was the first confirmation of multiple nesting by a mature female loggerhead on the island.

The turtle was named Eliza Ann for the Sea Turtle Conservancy event, Tour de Turtles, which ended Nov. 1. The Waterline Resort and Marina, in Holmes Beach, featuring Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant, sponsored AMITW in the event.

As part of the tour, 20 sea turtles were tagged and released from beaches in Costa Rica, Panama, Nevis and Florida. The turtles then competed in a “marathon,” a competition for which turtle swims the most miles during the three-month “race.”

Tour de Turtles - The Islands Fastest but Slowest Race!
Anna Maria Island – Turtle Nesting and Race

Pictured Above – Eliza Ann traveled 1,693 miles to win first place in the marathon, which tracked distance covered through Nov. 1 by the tagged sea turtles. The runner-up, a loggerhead named Cruz, traveled 1,583 miles after it was tagged July 29 near the Disney Vero Beach Resort, south of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Melbourne Beach.

The migration was tracked using satellite telemetry. Every time Eliza Ann raised her head above water, the antenna on her tracker sent a signal, letting conservancy research scientists know her location.

The tracking device showed Eliza Ann coming ashore four times and nesting three times during the season, which runs through Oct. 31.

Following nesting, the tracker showed the turtle traveled to the Bahamas to forage and, as of Nov. 1, was in the water north of Cuba.

Additionally, the data received from the turtles’ transmitters allowed researchers to determine the number of dives taken during a 24-hour period, the duration of the most recent dive, and the water temperature of the location, according to Lexie Beach, Sea Turtle Conservancy communications coordinator.

Following nesting and placement of a satellite tracking device atop her carapace June 20, Eliza Ann, a 300-pound-plus loggerhead, crawls back to the Gulf of Mexico. The device, placed by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, tracked Eliza Ann’s travels for the Tour de Turtles — a marathon for sea turtles. See page 26 for more. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

“To adequately protect sea turtles in all their habitats, we must learn more about their migratory patterns, their behavior at sea, where their marine habitats are located, how the turtles use these different habitats and the migration routes turtles travel between habitats,” Beach said.

Since the tour is over, this data becomes available to researchers around the world and also is being used as part of Sea Turtle Conservancy research scientist Dan Evans’ doctoral thesis.

Turtle watch participated in the tour in 2015 with a loggerhead named Amie, but the turtle’s satellite tag fell off shortly after the race began and it was disqualified.

– Article Courtesy of The Islander

*Please note – Dans Florida Condos posts blogs of local
establishments and events periodically, for the intended benefit
of our guests and visitors of Anna Maria Island. We do not
receive advertisement commissions or other compensation from
these posts. These recommendations are either experienced
firsthand by us, or via reputable friends and partners on the
Island. This ensures we are informing our guests of the “best of
the best” that the Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas
have to offer.

*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared
without the written consent of Dans Florida Condos.